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Post by struns on May 5, 2023 4:24:07 GMT -8
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Post by wilmywood8455 on May 5, 2023 8:39:49 GMT -8
Looks like he ^ caught the car and knew EXACTLY what to do with it ...
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Post by truenorth on May 17, 2023 11:05:58 GMT -8
1-of-12: The Last 1971 Chevrolet Corvette ZR-2 Built! Some classic cars are more equal than others. Rarity can set them apart, while mind-bending performance, extreme beauty, or unparalleled luxury can prove the defining characteristic. This 1971 Chevrolet Corvette falls flat on that last measure but emphatically ticks the rest of the boxes. Not only is it 1-of-12 ZR-2 variants produced that year, but it is confirmed as the last to roll off the line. It received a meticulous restoration and comes with the original documentation confirming its authenticity. As one of the auction stars, the ‘Vette is due to cross the blocks in Indianapolis, Indiana, on Saturday, May 20th. You will find the ZR-2 listed here at Mecum Auctions with a guide price of $475,000 – $600,000. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Mitchell G. for spotting this genuinely jaw-dropping classic. This Corvette hides its light under a bushel. Its presentation is flawless, but there are few indications of what lurks below the surface. The car received a frame-off restoration by renowned specialists Corvette Repair, Inc. in Valley Stream, New York. No aspect of the build escaped their critical eye in the search for perfection. The Brands Hatch Green paint shines deeply, but the appearance is in keeping with a car that just rolled off the line rather than a show-quality trailer queen. The fiberglass is as perfect as you would expect from a vehicle of this caliber, as are the glass and chrome. The factory Rally wheels, with their trim rings and center caps, are in as-new condition, with the overall result being a car that would appeal to any C3 enthusiast. Even the big-block hood and “454” badges provide little indication of this car’s true worth. Okay, you’ve waited long enough. It is time to unveil what turns a potent Corvette into something other-worldly. Chevrolet offered a wide selection of engine choices to 1971 Corvette buyers, with 188 buyers selecting the LS6 big-block, churning out an “official” 425hp and 475 ft/lbs of torque. However, only twelve buyers took the daring step of ordering the ZR-2 package. This variant was the ultimate expression of Corvette potential and was a total package providing a perfect blend of power, handling, and braking. ZR-2s received the M22 “Rock Crusher” four-speed close-ration manual transmission, a Posi rear end, transistorized ignition, a heavy-duty aluminum radiator, heavy-duty power disc brakes, and the F41 suspension with specific springs, shocks, and sway bars at both ends. Many enthusiasts agree the ZR-2 was the best-handling big-block C3, suggesting the company got the package right. Some have speculated about the official power figure for the 454, suggesting that the actual figure rests somewhere north of 500hp. Was it fast? A ¼-mile ET of 13.7 seconds confirmed nothing within the ’71 Corvette range could touch it. This car is in perfect mechanical health, with no issues, problems, or modifications. The highly-strung nature of its big-block means it would be an impractical daily driver, but taking it to a track day so it can let down its hair could be tempting. The sale includes a significant collection of paperwork. The winning bidder receives the original Owner’s Manual, Protect-O-Plate, Warranty Book, Build Sheet, and NCRS/GM Shipping Data Report.
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Post by truenorth on May 19, 2023 7:26:45 GMT -8
Bill Mitchell Mystery Machine: 1980 Chevrolet Corvette A handful of people can claim to be the fathers of Chevrolet’s Corvette. While Zora Arkus Duntov has the most gravitas regarding that title, a good argument could be made for Bill Mitchell. As Vice President of Design for General Motors, Mitchell was responsible for the gorgeous lines that defined the car. This 1980 Chevrolet Corvette custom for sale on eBay in Ogden, Utah is claimed to be the product of Mitchell’s design genius in regards to the modifications. However, the evidence is a bit scant. Is there some truth to that claim with a current bid of $27,100 after 34 bids total? In the history of General Motors, few figures loom larger than Bill Mitchell. As a protege and the successor to Harley Earl at General Motors Styling Section (the initial name was GM Art and Colour Section, but later renamed rather plainly as the GM Styling Section). Harley Earl was not only powerful but flamboyant. Bill Mitchell was even more so and ran the styling section as a benevolent dictator. Insanely talented, he also had what could gently be called a strong personality. Smokey Yunick described him as a “He Coon.” I’ll leave it to you to figure out what he meant by that colorful Florida-based description. Mitchell loved women, cars, and booze, and all were imbibed in excess. Of the cars, he loved the Corvette most of all. His arguments with Duntov are legendary in the history of the Corvette. Given Mitchell’s considerable power within General Motors, he often won those fights. How can you argue with the guy responsible for some of the most successful automobile designs in history and the financial wherewithal that came with that talent? His resume was extensive and his reign at GM was long. After 19 years as Vice President of Design, Mitchell faced retirement. That was 1977. After leaving GM, he founded a design consulting firm called William R. Mitchell Design. This effort lasted from 1977 through 1984. Not much is known about this phase of Mitchell’s life. The most prominent source of information I could find was in reference to him designing spacecraft concepts for Rockwell International. There is also a link to someone named Clark Lincoln and Corvette designs attributed to him and Mitchell’s post-retirement business. What I could not find is any evidence that Mitchell produced anything tangible. That doesn’t mean he didn’t produce anything tangible. I just cannot find any evidence. Hopefully one of our knowledgeable readers can assist us. Why the long prelude about Bill Mitchell after his retirement? The seller of this spectacular 1980 Chevrolet Corvette claims this car is ” one of the few brainchild custom designs of Corvette godfather Bill Mitchell, the designer of the sought-after single-year 1963 Split Window Corvette.” The ad further states, “There’s not a whole lot of info surrounding the car’s customization, as it’s seen little exposure over the past few decades. But, according to various sources, the project started on this car in 1981 with the help or input from Bill Mitchell and was completed a year later. The custom bodywork is readily obvious to the styling of Mitchell, along with the absolutely stunning paint job.” So, is this 821-mile showpiece a product of Mitchell’s? Maybe. Duntov retired around that time frame and soon became involved in a Corvette custom of his own. Further afield, Andy Granatelli was behind a wild turbine-powered Corvette during this era. It was a popular car to modify because the fiberglass body allowed designers to make changes to an already pleasing shape and produce the panels economically. Ecklers was probably the 800-pound gorilla of Corvette modifications at that time, with many others throwing in as well. It was also the era of show cars because the performance was taken from us by the Feds at that time. This car’s wild excesses in shape and paint fit in perfectly with that period. There are some questions here. The body panels bear a strong resemblance to those put out by John Greenwood’s company. Greenwood was a Corvette racer of the highest order. His company produced some street cars based on those innovative and aerodynamic racing cars. The wide-body fenders you see on Corvettes of his were designed to cover the much larger racing slicks that the cars needed to be competitive. This car sure looks a lot like one of Greenwood’s production cars, the Turbo GT. Is there a link here to Mitchell, who would have obviously known John Greenwood? The other piece of evidence we have is a sticker on the glove box door. You can find it 2/3 of the way down the refreshingly exhaustive photo collage of the car in the ad. It advertises Bill Mitchell Hard Core Racing Products. This is likely the firm that built the 450-horsepower small-block Chevrolet engine in the car. Believe it or not, this company is still in business. Perhaps there is some confusion, as there is nothing in the company’s About section that speaks of the auto designer Bill Mitchell. It only says that the company has been in business since the eighties and that Bill Mitchell Jr. took over the company in 2011. Bill Mitchell the designer died of heart failure in 1988. This is a beautiful car and worth every penny it has been bid up to so far. I hope that one of our very educated readers can provide more information here or may have a recollection of Bill Mitchell jumping into the Corvette customization game during that period. Regardless, it will be interesting to see what this wild custom finally sells for.
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Post by truenorth on May 25, 2023 13:10:17 GMT -8
C4 Chevrolet Corvette
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Post by truenorth on May 27, 2023 6:27:12 GMT -8
80 Vette
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Post by truenorth on May 29, 2023 8:27:28 GMT -8
George Maharis (Buzz Murdock) and Martin Milner (Tod Stiles) in the "Route 66" TV show. It ran from October, 1960, to March 20, 1964.
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Post by wilmywood8455 on May 31, 2023 13:56:54 GMT -8
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Post by truenorth on Jun 3, 2023 9:04:15 GMT -8
Nice color photo of the ‘54 Motorama C1 Corvettes, including the yet-to-be-produced removable hardtop, the Nomad wagon and the beautiful Corvair fastback…
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Post by truenorth on Jun 3, 2023 9:46:40 GMT -8
1958 Corvette XP 700 Concept.
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Post by olderguysrule on Jun 5, 2023 10:01:10 GMT -8
George Maharis (Buzz Murdock) and Martin Milner (Tod Stiles) in the "Route 66" TV show. It ran from October, 1960, to March 20, 1964. One of my favorite shows when I was a kid. Their trip is still on my bucket list. But prolly not in a corvette. I'd need to win the lotto to be able to afford one of those. But a Jaguar XK. Convertible. I could swing a used one of those. :-)
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Post by truenorth on Jun 9, 2023 9:40:38 GMT -8
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Post by truenorth on Jun 9, 2023 10:49:40 GMT -8
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Post by truenorth on Jun 11, 2023 3:36:09 GMT -8
1972 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe 4-Speed 9k This 1972 Chevrolet Corvette coupe was delivered new to Scher Chevrolet of Brockton, Massachusetts, and reportedly spent time with one family until being acquired by the seller in 2018. Subsequent work consisted of installing a replacement Quadrajet carburetor and repainting the lower air cleaner housing, intake manifold, radiator, and valve covers. The car is finished in yellow over black vinyl upholstery and is powered by a 350ci V8 mated to a four-speed manual transmission. Equipment includes power steering, power-assisted four-wheel disc brakes, and 15″ Rally wheels as well as a Delco AM/FM radio, a chrome luggage rack, body-color removable roof panels, and pop-up headlamps. This C3 Coupe is now offered with an NCRS Shipping Data Report, a reproduction window sticker, manufacturer’s literature, memorabilia, a Corvette Order Copy, assembly manuals, spare parts, service records, and a clean Nevada title in the seller’s name. The 350ci V8 features a Rochester Quadrajet four-barrel carburetor, an orange-finished intake manifold and valve covers, and a chrome air cleaner lid and ignition cover. Work completed under current ownership is said to consist of replacing the carburetor and valve cover gaskets, and repainting the lower air cleaner housing, intake manifold, radiator, and valve covers. The transmission fluid, rear differential oil, and antifreeze were reportedly changed in 2018 and an oil change was performed in 2023. The seller notes that the car puffs smoke out of the exhaust upon start-up after sitting.
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Post by truenorth on Jun 11, 2023 8:17:44 GMT -8
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Post by truenorth on Jun 12, 2023 6:42:44 GMT -8
SCCA June Sprints Road America Elkhart Lake, WI, June 15, 1968. Speaking of favorite racing cars, Tony DeLorenzo's No. 50 Hanley Dawson Chevrolet Corvette 427 L88. He won "A" Production that day.
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Post by truenorth on Jun 12, 2023 8:51:04 GMT -8
1966 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe L72 427/425 4-Speed 105k This 1966 Chevrolet Corvette coupe was sold new at Jim Douglas Chevrolet of High Springs, Florida, on January 7, 1966. The car was later acquired by the seller from the third owner in 2012 and underwent a 10-year body-off refurbishment that consisted of stripping and refinishing the body and chassis, rebuilding the engine, transmission, and rear axle, and replacing interior, exterior, suspension, electrical, and brake components. The car is finished in Nassau Blue over bright blue upholstery and power is provided by a 427ci L72 V8 linked with a close-ratio Muncie M21 four-speed manual transmission and a 3.70:1 Positraction rear axle. Equipment includes the optional Special Suspension, the Transistor Ignition system, power-assisted steering, 15″ steel wheels, Goodyear gold-line tires, four-wheel disc brakes, and a Delco AM/FM radio. This C2 Coupe is now offered in Alberta, Canada, with manufacturer’s literature, a sales brochure, a window sticker, a sales invoice, a warranty book with a Protect-O-Plate, past registration documents, refurbishment photos, and Alberta registration. The 427ci L72 V8 was factory-rated at 425 horsepower and was rebuilt under current ownership with work consisting of stripping and refinishing engine components, rebuilding the transistor ignition system, alternator, voltage regulator, starter, and rebuilding the Holley four-barrel carburetor.
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Post by truenorth on Jun 12, 2023 9:27:54 GMT -8
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Post by truenorth on Jun 19, 2023 8:17:27 GMT -8
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Post by truenorth on Jun 23, 2023 10:14:57 GMT -8
Corvette Racing by Pratt Miller Motorsports to campaign two GTD PRO Corvette Z06 GT3.Rs in 2024 Richard S. James | June 23, 2023 A partnership that has lasted a quarter century continues into 2024 and the competition introduction of the Chevrolet Corvette Z06 GT3.R, as Chevrolet and Pratt Miller Motorsports have announced the creation of Corvette Racing by Pratt Miller Motorsports. Starting with the 2024 Rolex 24 At Daytona, Corvette Racing by Pratt Miller Motorsports will campaign a pair of the new-for-2024, GT3-spec Corvettes for a full season in the GT Daytona (GTD) PRO category of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. The factory-supported effort is the first of two 2024 WeatherTech Championship programs that feature the Corvette Z06 GT3.R to be confirmed, with additional customer programs set to announce in the coming weeks. The link-up between Chevrolet and Pratt Miller Motorsports (PMM), which has been developing the new GT3 car with Chevrolet and will build the cars, was expected as it’s a natural fit. The current full-factory Corvette Racing program is in the midst of its 25th season with 125 race victories to date, the most recent coming at the 2023 24 Hours of Le Mans for the team’s ninth class win and its first in GTE-Am. “Chevrolet and Pratt Miller have collaborated for more than 25 years on the Corvette Racing program, and we are thrilled that we are able to continue together into the GT3 era,” said Christie Bagne, Corvette Z06 GT3.R Program Manager. General Motors had previously confirmed the cessation of a factory team with the advent of its first in-house customer GT3 car. Corvette Z06 GT3.R customer teams will compete under the umbrella of Corvette Racing, which also will include customer and technical support. “It makes sense to have Corvette Racing with Pratt Miller Motorsports lead the competition element of the Z06 GT3.R program in the GTD PRO championship starting in 2024,” Bagne said. “We couldn’t have a better representative than the same group that has been part of the development, build and testing processes for our new Corvette racecar. The learnings we will take from testing and competition will flow to our other Z06 GT3.R customer teams to ensure that the Corvette brand is a championship contender around the world.” The Corvette Z06 GT3.R is currently undergoing final homologation testing in Europe after nearly 5500 miles of testing since September of last year. Additional testing is planned through the summer and fall to fine-tune the car for the multiple brands of tires used in various GT3-based championships around the world such as WEC (beginning in 2024), GT World Challenge and the 24 Hour Series. “This is an exciting time for everyone at Pratt Miller,” said Brandon Widmer, Pratt Miller Vice President, Motorsports. “We’ve experienced a lot of successes, race wins and championships with Chevrolet through the Corvette Racing program. Now we move into the GT3 era. Everyone is pleased with the progress of our testing and development programs, and new car builds are under way. “We’re appreciative of the decades-long relationship with Chevrolet. Corvette Racing by Pratt Miller Motorsports is looking forward to continue showing our expertise in race operations and management to our fans, our commercial partners and new prospects as we go forward.” In addition to the GTD PRO team and a customer team in GTD, customer teams are expected to race in WEC and Fanatec GT World Challenge America Presented by AWS in 2024. Those teams will be named at a later date, as will the driver lineup for Corvette Racing by Pratt Miller Motorsports.
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